LEVEL B (15 days):     Fairy Meadows, named because of local superstitions that fairies inhabit this spectacularly forested alpine meadow., is a beautiful setting from where to explore Nanga Parbat. Drive from Gilgit to Jayal, Tatoo, and then walk a few hours to Fairy Meadows. Shepherd huts are scattered around the area, and clear water is plentiful, coupled with the pine forests and the looming north face of Nanga Parbat.

You can readily believe that fairies live here. The next day trek to the base camp Beyal, from where you can make an excursion day to the German memorial to those killed in the 1937 expedition or to the foot of Juliper Peak. On return, a camp for a night at Fairy Meadows before the road-head and driving back to Gilgit.